He's been bad. Self-admittedly. I think the lockout and lack of training camp messed with him more than others. Seems like conditioning issues, but can't really be sure. He's doing really stupid **** like bad no-look passes and drop passes to no one.

Honestly I think Tort's system just sucks the life out offense. He can't make the same high vision passes like he used to in Dallas, as the team isn't built for rushes in transition or playing through the center of the ice. The Rangers are entirely built on winning along the boards. Kinda hard to use elite vision and passing when the coach discourages them.

Still Brad hasn't looked good. He excelled last year because he was scoring CLUTCH ass goals. But he never was a goal scorer so its not surprising that faded away. Now it just seems like he may be slightly out of condition from the lockout, lacking confidence due to poor play, and not being able to utilize his strengths.

They haven't been a playoff team in the last 3-4 years; definitely not with the defense they have had in that span.

I meant this season. The past is done and obviously wasn't enough but several here thought they'd be good enough to fight for a spot and scrape in. I've been doubtful because of the defense and so far they haven't given any indication of life otherwise. My question is does anyone still have real hope and legit reasoning behind it?

Not giving up though. Still 30+ games left to start winning and with Kari, Daley and Whitney back soon I still believe we can squeak in. And also because I made a bet with a buddy that Stars will make it and if I lose I owe him money and I gotta shave my goatee (which I haven't shaved off in a long time lol). So LEGGOO STARS WAKE UP

I meant this season. The past is done and obviously wasn't enough but several here thought they'd be good enough to fight for a spot and scrape in. I've been doubtful because of the defense and so far they haven't given any indication of life otherwise.

You see any drastic change in the defensive construct this year compared to seasons past? I certainly don't. It's the usual suspects, with a little youth mixed in...that's all.

If anything, people thought their PP woes would be solved by the additions of Jagr and Whitney and that alone could be the "good enough" factor, but that hasn't really helped at all and obviously, not enough.

Quote:

My question is does anyone still have real hope and legit reasoning behind it?

Not really. They're not going to be a playoff team with the current status-quo on the blueline that lacks a legitimate first pairing- something that will not be addressed this off-season. They could possibly squeak in at the 8th spot and get bounced in round 1 in 4-5 games at best.

Only way we don't is if we get Anaheim, imo. We match up well with them for whatever reason (though I still think we'd lose).

Maybe not in the playoffs, IMO. Kari may win us a game...or two, but I predict we'll still get beaten handily in the games we lose.

Personally, I'd rather not see this team squeak into the playoffs this season (only way they will make the playoffs) and have a "vote of confidence" given to allow this cycle of mediocrity continue because a "goal" was achieved.

Yeah I'd rather move Ryder, Roy, and hopefully one of Morrow/Robidas than waste picks/prospects for a guy like Hainsey. Dallas needs a defensive upgrade but at this point I'd take bpa and picks with the intention of using that at the draft to either move up or package something together for a better defenseman. If we get enough good young forwards giving one or two up for a Gartner or other young defensive prospect to match up with our Oleksiak and Nemeth could actually be a viable option.

He's been bad. Self-admittedly. I think the lockout and lack of training camp messed with him more than others. Seems like conditioning issues, but can't really be sure. He's doing really stupid **** like bad no-look passes and drop passes to no one.

Honestly I think Tort's system just sucks the life out offense. He can't make the same high vision passes like he used to in Dallas, as the team isn't built for rushes in transition or playing through the center of the ice. The Rangers are entirely built on winning along the boards. Kinda hard to use elite vision and passing when the coach discourages them.

Still Brad hasn't looked good. He excelled last year because he was scoring CLUTCH ass goals. But he never was a goal scorer so its not surprising that faded away. Now it just seems like he may be slightly out of condition from the lockout, lacking confidence due to poor play, and not being able to utilize his strengths.

I thought he loved Torts and his system. That's one of the big reason's I heard he wanted to go to NY.